NETGEAR WiFi Range Extenders, also known as wireless extenders, WiFi Booster or WiFi repeaters, relay the WiFi signal from your main router access point to expand wireless coverage. A WiFi extender can significantly improve the wireless signal reach and reliability.
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NETGEAR range extenders are compatible with NETGEAR routers and most other wireless routers on the market, whether purchased separately or provided by an ISP. Range Extenders can help reduce the number of dead zones and dropped WiFi connections. Most range extender models operate on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
An example of a WiFi range Extender is the NETGEAR Nighthawk EAX15 1.8 Gbps WiFi 6 Mesh Extender. It conveniently plugs into a wall-plug and re-broadcasts fast WiFi 6 speeds for strong WiFi performance, even in hard-to-reach spaces.
When connected, the NETGEAR range extender will search for local WiFi networks. Select your network’s 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands and the extender connects to a working WiFi network. When the extender connects over WiFi to an existing network, it functions as a network client, similar to how a WiFi device connects to a network.
The extender acts as an additional access point for WiFi devices. The extender broadcasts a new WiFi network SSID that WiFi devices can easily join.
The placement of your WiFi range extender affects its performance. Range extenders usually come in one of two styles – small and convenient Wall-Plug Range Extenders and versatile Free-standing Range Extenders.
Here are some tips for the best WiFi extender network connection.
The Nighthawk App is one of the easiest ways to setup your WiFi Range Extender. See our Range Extender Setup Guide blog. For the latest NETGEAR Extenders it’s suggested to use the Nighthawk App for setup. Once you’ve downloaded the Nighthawk App follow the on-screen instructions to “Set Up a New Nighthawk System” and then choose “Range Extender”. For full detailed instructions on Extender Nighthawk App setup read our Range Extender Knowledge Base article.
You can use Smart Setup to change the extender settings. This is an easy way to connect the extender to a different router or to change the extender’s WiFi network name (SSID) or WiFi password.
There are various WiFi range extender setup procedures for the different NETGEAR models.
Check out the following video tutorials for more information:
To find your extender’s IP address, log in to your router and look for a list of devices connected to your router. The extender’s IP address is displayed in the list. For more information, including NETGEAR extender login issues, see your router’s user manual.
If your router and extender use different WiFi network names (SSIDs), connect your device to your extender’s network. To find your extender, enter www.mywifiext.net in your web browser.
Unless you changed the settings in the Firmware Update page previously, the extender is set up to check for new firmware automatically at login.
To check manually for new firmware and, if available, update the extender firmware version:
Besides proper extender placement, you should consider a few more considerations for improving WiFi Extender performance.
The wireless signal strength from a WiFi extender is usually weaker than the internet connection signal from your main router. If you’re jumping from one extender to another extender to the main router, you’ll likely find the connection sluggish.
Follow these WiFi extender performance tips.
When choosing a WiFi Extender, consider it’s WiFi performance capabilities. Extenders act similar to a router, but instead of a router connecting to a Modem, extenders connect to your Router’s WiFi signal. For the best performance, look for an extender with a higher base WiFi version and capacity and channels or (WiFi bands). Additionally, consider additional WiFi Extender features such as included gigabit Ethernet ports, or same name SSID broadcasting (Mesh Extenders).
Range extenders are designed to improve your WiFi and make life easier, simpler, and more enjoyable. Although range extenders have their place, an upgrade to NETGEAR Orbi mesh technology is a superior alternative for today’s connected smart homes.
Mesh systems are the superior choice vs. WiFi extenders. NETGEAR Orbi Mesh WiFi Systems include the main router and multiple mesh satellites that can relay the WiFi signal at multi-gigabit speeds to every corner of your home, and even outside in the backyard. The WiFi signal for the entire wireless network remains strong, even in previous WiFi dead zones, and there is no need for additional range extenders or adapters.
For the ultimate Mesh WiFi the choice is all yours for an Orbi 970 Router (RBE971), an Orbi 2-pack (RBE972S), or an Orbi 3-pack (RBE973S). Orbi 970 systems are expandable, so you can connect additional add-on Orbi Satellites (RBE970) to meet the needs of your growing home network. There are many benefits of Orbi Mesh over extenders.
NETGEAR Orbi 970 mesh systems include:
Compare Orbi Mesh system options. Or learn more about Mesh Systems vs Extenders.
If you live in a smaller home or apartment with few connected devices, a WiFi range extender can provide all the wireless coverage you need. However, WiFi technology has moved on, and the latest NETGEAR WiFi 7 whole-home mesh systems deliver unparalleled performance. Here are some products to explore before choosing the most suitable WiFi system for your home.
